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Mai ElMallah

Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine
2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our laboratory focuses on the control of breathing and pulmonary mechanics in murine models of several genetic diseases. These genetic diseases include Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Pompe Disease, ALS, and Spino-cerebellar ataxia Type 7. We also investigate the ability of gene therapy and neuromodulation to treat respiratory insufficiency in neuromuscular diseases. As a clinician-scientist, my goal is to bring therapy from the bench to the bedside and enhance our research at the bench through observations at the bedside.


Our clinical research focus is on the impact of novel therapies on respiratory function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Pompe Disease. We study the impact of recent therapies on breathing in these disorders and the impact of social determinants of health on clinical outcome measures.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Pediatrics · 2025 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine · 2021 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Associate Professor in Neurobiology · 2020 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Cell Biology · 2020 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published August 8, 2022
Young Minds Study the Brain at Duke

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Recent Publications


PPMO-based exon skipping therapy improves respiratory function in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Journal Article Mol Ther Nucleic Acids · March 12, 2026 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of dystrophin, leading to progressive muscle degeneration and eventually cardiorespiratory failure. Exon-skipping therapies using cell-penetrating peptide-conj ... Full text Link to item Cite

Alternative marine fuels for sustainable and cost-efficient shipping

Journal Article Nativa · January 14, 2026 With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the demand for animal products is expected to rise significantly. A less recognized source of emissions in this supply chain is livestock maritime transport, which moves millions of a ... Full text Cite

AAV9 gene therapy to target respiratory insufficiency in the D2.mdx mouse model of duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Journal Article Respir Physiol Neurobiol · 2026 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of dystrophin. Dystrophin deficiency leads to progressive muscle weakness, including involvement of the respiratory muscles, ultimately resulting in respiratory fail ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Unified Program for Therapeutics in Children

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

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Education, Training & Certifications


Queens University Belfast (United Kingdom) · 2001 M.B.B.S.